Greater Western Sydney have inflicted more pre-season pain on Essendon with a 45-point drubbing in Friday night’s NAB Challenge clash.

Hours after the AFL’s anti-doping tribunal announced it will hand down its verdict on charges against 34 current and past players on March 31, the Bombers fell into a heap at a greasy Spotless Stadium.

Forced to field a number of top-up players in the interim, James Hird’s men were smothered on most fronts by the hosts to go down 14.13 (97) to 8.4 (52).

Even with big names Brendon Goddard, Joe Daniher and David Zaharakis back in the side, a noticeably under-strength Essendon were well-beaten in clearances (46-26) and inside-50s (55-30).

GWS dominated from the outset, nabbing five goals to the Bombers’ one for a 27-point first-quarter lead.

They kept the visitors scoreless for 21 minutes, a Daniher free kick breaking the drought.

Daniher, in his first hitout for the year, got the Bombers’ only other goal in the opening half – which ended 10.6 (66) to 2.2 (14).

The difference quickly blew out to 66 points, the Giants booting the first two goals of the quarter.

The Bombers managed to stop the leakage of majors in the second half, but GWS still looked composed and well-structured – even with seniors Jeremy Cameron and Shane Mumford taken off early.

Youngster Cam McCarthy backed up last week’s eye-catching fourth-quarter cameo with a game-high three goals including a couple of successful hard-angled shots.

Essendon recruit Adam Cooney saw plenty of ball on debut, the midfielder’s dozen first-half touches the most of his side, while Kyle Langford also showed some promise.

The game marked the last for Kevin Sheedy at GWS, with the AFL great returning to Essendon from next week in a newly-created role of general manager, commercial development and innovation.

Players from both sides formed a guard of honour in front a special `thankyou’ banner before the game for Sheedy.